Current broadband enough for telehealth services: doctor

A north Queensland doctor who helped establish the tele-paediatrics service in the state says the National Broadband Network (NBN) is not essential for the roll-out of telehealth services.

Mackay-based paediatrician Michael Williams was one of several specialists invited to discuss the NBN for a national TV program, broadcast from Old Parliament House in Canberra last night.

Dr Williams says the current broadband technology is adequate.

"I think the NBN will take it a step or two further but I think before we get there, we should be doing more with what we've got now," he said.

"We've got the technology out there but we're not using it clinically nearly as much as we could be. What we need is for those clinicians to be supported, to be given directives towards telehealth where it's appropriate."